CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT IN THE 21ST CENTURY SETTING

ANALYN S. MANGALINO

With the advent of the 21st century and its impact on the academic community, challenges have been poised before teachers regarding effective classroom management, particularly in the secondary level or high school.

In the 21st century or millennial setting, it could now be noted that there is more to classroom management than compliance: it should enhance prosocial behavior and increase student academic engagement.

Effective classroom management can establish an orderly environment, increase academic learning, facilitate social/emotional growth and decrease negative behaviors while increasing academic engagement.

As such, in this new setting, teachers are challenged to posses effective classroom management skills, which are paramount.

To successfully manage classrooms in the 21st century-based curriculum, teachers need to recognize the tenets of effective classroom management and instruction; get to know students to establish a strong rapport; purposefully plan lessons; learn the rules and culture of each classroom; and establish classroom rules.

There are many 21st century tools a teacher can use in managing a classroom. For example, a simple electronic or paper surveys administered at the beginning of the year helps create profile worksheets. Teachers can then keep this information available when working with their classes. This could include information regarding students’learning preferences, demographic information, home life and students’interests and personal goals.

One very important aspect of 21st century classroom management is that, at the start the school year, teachers should explore how to share the responsibility of managing their classrooms by seeking student input. An educator should be prepared to offer reminders as needed throughout the year. This practice will foster accountability for all and ease the classroom management process.

Remember, management is a shared responsibility of the teacher and the students. The awareness and practice of successful techniques can change classroom behavior, which in turn changes student behavior, positively affecting student achievement. — oOo— The author is Teacher III at Justino Sevilla High School